DVDs in Review

Slacker Uprising

Title: Slacker Uprising (2007)

Release date: August 17 2009

Certificate: 12

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £9.99

Rating: 3/5

Also known as 'Captain Mike Across America', this Michael Moore documentary showcases the youth of American voting, the slackers and the power they hold. Ironically, considering this alternate title, it does at times feel like a rudderless ship.

Michael Moore is a biased filmmaker. His documentaries are seldom two-sided but as a charismatic front man and as a force to be reckoned with, he has carved himself out as one of the world's true celebrity documentary makers, which doesn't come easy.

Moore's humour as he tours 60 colleges across the US rarely fails to satisfy and his acute condensations of politics provide some great entry-level material to the aforementioned 'slackers' but the actual meat seems to be missing from the carcass, that comes off as heavy handed Bush bashing.

Of course, Moore has taken many swings at George Bush in the past, specifically 'Fahrenheit 911', which was an overwhelming success. 'Bowling for Columbine' exposed the shocking state of gun control and picked up an Oscar. 'Sicko' took on the health care system victoriously. All were anti-Republican. As is 'Slacker Uprising' but it lacks their wider focus, their central drive. Voting for the other guy simply isn't a solid enough subject.

That aside, just to watch 'Slacker Uprising' is rewarding. It's a sum of its parts and what strings this tour of America together is the music; the guest appearances from stunning musicians for a worthy cause. The highlight is Pearl Jam's front man Eddie Vedder and his supreme rendition of Cat Stevens' 'Don't Be Shy' from the 'Harold and Maude' soundtrack.

Moments like that make 'Slacker Uprising' a worthy purchase. Michael Moore fans will want it in their collection as will those who want America returned to its glory days. The appearances by Vedder, Tom Morello, Steve Earle and even Viggo Mortensen should help this find a wider audience. Still, it's hard to see what Moore's point really is when he doesn't do much more than play to his fans.